International
Biden announces the biggest change in the military alliance with Japan in almost 65 years
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, announced the restructuring of the US military command in Japan to facilitate coordination with the Japanese forces, in what is the biggest change in the defense alliance of both countries in almost 65 years.
“This is the most significant improvement in our alliance since it was established,” Biden said at the White House during a press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida.
The restructuring of the US military command in Japan is the biggest update of the security alliance between Tokyo and Washington since it entered into force in 1960, and occurs at a time when both countries seek to cope with China’s boom.
The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, assured that security and defense collaboration with the United States is key to avoiding a situation in the future similar to Ukraine.
“Today is Ukraine and tomorrow it may be the Asia-Pacific area,” the Japanese Prime Minister said at a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden from the White House.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, announced a strengthening of space collaboration with Japan for a Japanese astronaut to reach the Moon, whose soil so far only American astronauts have stepped on.
“We will improve our ties in science, technology and education so that Japanese astronauts can integrate into American space missions. And one of them will be the first non-American astronaut to step on the Moon,” he said.
Biden and Kishida, pledged to defend a “free and open” Indo-Pacific, alluding to the rise of China and its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The leaders made these statements at the beginning of their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House.
Although they did not explicitly mention China, they made it clear that the strengthening of their alliance in military and technological matters has its sights set on the Asian giant.
Biden, the first to speak, spoke of the strength of the alliance between the two countries and said that they will talk about how to increase cooperation in defense and technology, among other areas.
“We will also analyze how we can continue to improve to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open and prosperous in the world,” Biden said.
Next, Kishida spoke of the “robust ties” of the alliance and the “friendship” that personally unites him with Biden.
He has met with him on numerous occasions and this Wednesday he was received at the White House with a state visit, an honor that Washington reserves for its closest allies.
“Japan and the United States are now at the forefront of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” said Kishida, who, as on other occasions, avoided mentioning China.
During the summit, Biden and Kishida plan to announce 70 defense cooperation agreements, including plans to restructure the US military command in Japan and facilitate cooperation with Japanese forces in the event of a crisis.
That change will be the biggest update of the security alliance between Japan and the United States since it came into force in 1960, and will take place at a time when Washington seeks to strengthen its alliances with other countries in the region to counter China.
The two leaders are also expected to announce agreements to allow further joint development of military and defense equipment, as well as plans for a joint space mission to reach the Moon and research projects in artificial intelligence, according to US officials.
After their meeting in the Oval Office, both leaders plan to hold a press conference.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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